Open House Will Offer Flight Opportunities

By: MAYA CARPENTER, News Chief Staff

WINTER HAVEN - Tailwheels Etc. Inc., a local flight school, will sponsor an open house at Winter Haven Municipal Airport on Saturday as a way to teach more people about airplanes.

The event, featuring food, entertainment, seminars and airplane rides, will run from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m, and will be open to people of all ages.

Though admission to the open house is free, guests will have chance to take an airplane ride for $10. All rides will be on a first-come, first-served basis, according to a news release from Tailwheels Etc.

"It will be a great day to learn about the wonderful world of aviation and enjoy an aerial view of Winter Haven," said John Amundsen, the owner of Tailwheels Etc. Flight School and a certified flight instructor.

Amundsen said he planned the open house, in part, to "give back to the community."

His flight school, located at 3000 21st St., N.W., provides flight instruction in land- and sea-based, single- and multi-engine airplanes.

Food available for sale during the open house will include hot dogs, submarine sandwiches and nachos.

Representatives from Orlando-based Cessna Aircraft will be on hand to demonstrate the company's newest aircraft, the 400.

Radio station 97 Country WPCV-FM will provide a live feed for its listeners, and instructors from Gulfstream Training Academy will be available to answer questions about airline career opportunities.

Entertainment will be provided by Five Star, a group of local musicians who also are licensed pilots.